James Tedesco has joined Johnathan Thurston as the only four-time winner of the players’ champion award, after being voted the NRL’s best player of 2025 by his peers……..

James Tedesco has etched his name deeper into rugby league history, joining Johnathan Thurston as only the second player to win the prestigious Players’ Champion award four times. Voted by his peers as the NRL’s best player of 2025, Tedesco’s consistency, leadership, and brilliance once again set him apart in a season filled with standout performances.

 

The Sydney Roosters captain delivered another masterclass campaign — combining explosive runs, defensive grit, and creative playmaking that inspired his teammates week after week. Players across the league recognized not just his on-field excellence but also his sportsmanship and influence as one of the game’s modern icons.

 

For Tedesco, this fourth award is both a personal milestone and a testament to his sustained dominance at the highest level. “To be voted by the players means everything,” he said. “They know what it takes out there, so this really means a lot.”

 

By matching Thurston’s record, Tedesco cements his legacy as one of rugby league’s all-time greats — a player whose drive and humility continue to set the standard for future generations in the NRL. His 2025 triumph marks another unforgettable chapter in an already remarkable career.